Sterling fincom advice on warrant articles

In advance of the annual town meeting on Monday, May 13, this is a brief summary of the finance committee’s positions on articles of interest to all taxpayers:

Article 5 – Create and Fund Meal Site Position at Senior Center. First-year cost $10,695. Due to food safety and other requirements of a position no longer funded by Montachusett Opportunity Council, Fincom recommends passage.

Article 12 – Fund Senior Center. At $2.5 million for a facility of approximately 6,500 square feet, the fincom believes the cost and size for the current modest usage by Sterling seniors were both on the high side and did not approve the request. The fincom proposed an alternative Article 13, which “capped” the total cost to taxpayers at $1.9 million for an expandable facility that would be named as a “Senior & Community Center.” Article 13 will probably now be tabled at the request of the building committee. However, if a facility is ultimately approved by voters, the fincom continues to recommend usage as both a senior and community center for enjoyment by all as well as to better justify the final cost.

Article 18 – Ballot Question. This proposal requires a ballot vote at the annual town election for any expenditure request of $300,000 or more approved at town meeting. The purpose of the article is to enhance voter participation in the running of local government as statistics in Sterling show that more than three times as many voters vote in elections as compared to those who attend town meetings. The language has been rewritten to fully comply with state law and the new version will be submitted to voters at town meeting. The fincom will report on this at town meeting.

Article 43 – Mosquito Control Project. While certainly endorsing the overall objective, due to the three-year cost of $189,000, Fincom does not recommend passage of this article at this time.